asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (i) when the Inchiquin estate at Ballygirreen, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was alloted; (ii) why two allotments were left vacant on that occasion; (iii) why these allotments are still vacant and the houses thereon unoccupied; and (iv) the date on which possession of these allotments and houses will be taken by the allottees.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Clare Lands.
(i) Most of the lands comprised in the Inchiquin estate at Ballygirreen, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, were alloted on or about the 9th of April, 1945.
(ii) Two holdings were not disposed of on that occasion because they were intended for allotment to migrants. In one case a dwellinghouse and out-office had to be erected, and in the other, legal proceedings had to be taken by the Land Commission in order to get possession of the existing buildings on the holding, and when possession was taken, the buildings had to be repaired.
(iii) The erection of new buildings on one holding was completed in February, 1948, and exchange negotiations were begun with the approved migrant. Owing to unforeseen difficulties, these negotiations could not be completed in 1948. Repairs on the existing buildings on the other holding are just completed.
(iv) It is hoped to have both holdings allotted at an early date this year.
What does the Minister mean by "early date"? Here is a house idle for three years and a plot of land not fully put into commission for three years? What does the Minister mean by "it is hoped"? Are these people going to get the land or are they going to take it or will somebody else who will use the land and occupy the house be allowed to take it?
The Land Commission will allot the holdings as soon as possible.
I want a definite answer. This matter has been going on for the past three years and the house has been unoccupied and the land unused. I want a definite answer here and now from the Minister. When will these lands be allotted and when will they be taken over?
As soon as possible.
What does that mean? Does that mean ten years' time?
Not nowadays.
Well, three years. The Minister has been in office for 12 months. Surely it should be done in that length of time.